August 2, 2017

Nora Gámez Torres, Miami HeraldPhoto Credit: Alejandro Ernesto/EFE

First, Cuban authorities hauled out tables and chairs from several private restaurants on the island. Then, they put a hold on issuing permits for a range of new ventures citizens had hoped to launch — from home rentals to agricultural endeavors.

The reason, according to experts: fear. The Cuban government does not want a truly successful entrepreneurial class operating on the island.